What we’re about
‘The Philosophy Lab’ is a group devoted to practical philosophy and philosophy as a way of life. The goal of the group is to explore how philosophy can be helpful in everyday life, fostering our rational thinking and the development of a human community rooted in reason. We will review articles and books on Stoicism and other philosophies.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- What does it mean to live according to nature?Link visible for attendees
The Stoics, the Platonists, and the Epicureans agreed: we should live in agreement with nature. But what does that mean? Let’s explore together this fundamental, and yet often misunderstood, phrase from ancient Greco-Roman philosophy. As a bonus, we’ll also discuss why the so-called naturalistic fallacy is not, in fact, a fallacy. Which means that ethics is, in the end, an empirical discipline…
Suggested reading: What does it mean to live according to nature?, from Massimo’s Substack, Figs in Winter (free download).
Zoom link: available on this page.
Please plan to log in about five minutes before the meeting. Also note that the zoom room will be locked five minutes after the beginning of the event for security reasons, so come on time!
- [NYC Stoics Reading Group] Making progress: Epictetus on HabituationLink visible for attendees
[Cross-posted from NYC Stoics]
"Those who have taken in philosophical principles raw and without
any dressing immediately want to vomit them up again, just as people with weak stomachs bring up their food." - Discourses 3.21.1Epictetus warned his students that they should not just regurgitate philosophical principles, but first digest them and live them. We digest Stoic principles through changing our habitual ways of thinking. But how exactly can we do so?
In this meetup, we'll continue our exploration of Stoic ethics through the lens of scholarly papers by reading, discussing, (and possibly digesting!) John Sellars' overview of how Epictetus suggests we change our habits.
To prepare for the meetup, please read Making progress: Epictetus on Habituation in full, and come prepared with any questions or comments you may have concerning the reading. You can access the full text for free here.
We'll be assuming you did the reading at this meetup, so if you didn't, it's likely you'll be left behind!
- [NYC Stoics] In-person Stoic discussion180 Maiden Ln, New York, NY
[Cross-posted from NYC Stoics]
Come join us for some informal discussion about Stoicism! Anything relevant to Stoicism is on the table.
Here's our agenda for this meetup:
- Hanging out/getting to know each other
- Open Q&A and discussion about Stoicism
- Deep read of Enchiridion 26: we'll read through Enchiridion 26 together and share our main practical takeaways. You can compare multiple public domain translations here: https://enchiridion.tasuki.org/
Come join us at the the atrium of 180 Maiden Lane!
- [NYC Stoics] In-person Stoic Discussion + hangoutPier 57, New York, NY
[Cross-posted from NYC Stoics]
Come join us for in-person Stoic discussion!
Here's our agenda for this meetup:
4-5pm: informal, optional hangout:
- Grab some food from Market 57 and let's just hang out and chat about whatever. It's okay to skip this part if you just want to come for the Stoicism
5-7pm: The main event:
- Open Q&A and discussion about Stoicism
- Deep read of Enchiridion 27: we'll read through Enchiridion 27 together and share our main practical takeaways. (You can compare multiple public domain translations here: https://enchiridion.tasuki.org/)
You're welcome to come only for the Stoic discussion from 5-7pm, or just show up at 4pm for the more open hangout and discussion.
Notes on the venue: We'll be in Oyster Classroom in Pier 57 (25 11th Ave New York, NY 10011), which I reserved just for our group. Outside food is not permitted, but food from the nearby Market 57 is. Here's a map of the interior of Pier 57: go to Oyster Classroom.
![[NYC Stoics Reading Group] Making progress: Epictetus on Habituation cover photo](https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/0/d/e/event_529297086.webp "[NYC Stoics Reading Group] Making progress: Epictetus on Habituation")
![[NYC Stoics] In-person Stoic discussion cover photo](https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/6/b/5/c/event_507447484.webp "[NYC Stoics] In-person Stoic discussion")
![[NYC Stoics] In-person Stoic Discussion + hangout cover photo](https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/c/4/8/5/event_524450309.webp "[NYC Stoics] In-person Stoic Discussion + hangout")
